“Sometimes, there is a misunderstanding that when we formulate a new law, we will apply it merely for political interests.
“This is totally not true,” he told reporters after officiating the National Aspiration and Leadership Summit (NALS) 2018 here today.
He said a special committee to study the new law, chaired by Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department Azalina Othman, would take into consideration the opinions of as many people as possible to ensure the law to be passed by Parliament would receive agreement from everyone.
“Fake news is not only a matter of concern for those from the ruling party, but also those from the opposition parties and members of the public. We should resolve together the fake news problem.”
He was asked to comment on the claim by the opposition that there was a strong possibility that the authorities would apply the law to be used as a weapon to abuse its political enemies.
Salleh explained that the new law was not aimed at controlling those who wished to criticise the government or give ideas.
“We can now see in the social media that opposition parties and their leaders are free to give their opinions and ideas. There is no restriction at all.
“But what happens if we don’t control the fake news? It can affect racial and religious harmony in Malaysia. This is what we wish to emphasise.”
Salleh said he was confident the special committee would hold discussions with everyone, including those with a different political ideology.
Carrying the theme “Youth Arise: Mapping the Ideal Malaysia”, NALS 2018 provides the platform for participants involved in the dialogue session with leaders, community icons and youth leaders from throughout the country.
The sixth edition of the summit will be participated by more than 3,000 people from within and outside the country, comprising young professionals and non-governmental organisations.
Fake news: Whose version of ‘truth’ will we get, asks rights lawyer